Prevention and Control of H5 

and H7 Avian Influenza in the 

Live Bird Marketing System

Uniform Standards for a StateFederal-Industry Cooperative 

Program

Effective August 2020

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection 

Service

Veterinary 

Services

APHIS 91-55-076

Updated 2020
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

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"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis 

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marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, 

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prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication 

of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-

2600 (voice and TDD)."

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider and employer.
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Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................... 03

Part I – Definitions ...................................................................................... 05

Part II – Administration of the Program ............................................................ 12

A. State Participation ...................................................................... 12

B. Federal Participation .................................................................. 12

Part Ill-Program Elements and Procedures......................................................... 13

A. Live Bird Markets ................................................................................... 13

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education ..................................... 13

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping ............................................... 13

3. Market Sanitation and Biosecurity ......................................... 14

4. Market Surveillance ................................................................... 14

5. H5/H7 - Positive Market ................................................... 15

B. Poultry Distributors ................................................................................. 15

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education ...................................... 15

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping ................................................ 16

3. Distributor Sanitation and Biosecurity ........................................ 16

4. Distributor Surveillance ..................................................... 17

5. H5/H7- Positive Distribution System .......................................... 17

C. Production Units ..................................................................................... 17

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education ...................................... 17

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping ......................................... 18

3. Sanitation and Biosecurity ......................................................... 20

4. Producer Surveillance ............................................................... 20

5. H5/H7- Positive Production Premises ....................................... 20

Part IV-Official Testing of Specimens from the LBMS for the Al Prevention and Control

Program..................................................................................................... 21

A. Specimens................................................................................................. 21

B. Official (Approved) Tests .......................................................................... 21

1. Agar Gel lmmunodiffusion (AGID) ............................................ 21

2. Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) ........................................ 21

3. Real-Time Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR)

................................................................................................ 22

4. Virus Isolation ................................................................................ 22

5. Antigen Capture Immunoassay Tests (ACIA) ............................... 22

Part V - General Criteria for H5 and H7 Al Indemnification in the LBMS........... 23

A. Requirement for lndemnification................................................................ 23

B. Flocks or Premises Eligible for Indemnity Funds ..................................... 23

C. Fair Market Value at Distributor/Wholesale and Retail Market Level ....... 23

D. Fair Market Value at Production Level and Breeder Birds ....................... 23

E. Decision to Depopulate ............................................................................ 24

F. Indemnity Funds (per 9 CFR part 53 (For HPAI) and part 56 (for LPAl) .. 24
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Introduction

The H5 and H7 hemagglutinin subtypes of low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus 

have repeatedly been isolated from the live bird marketing system (LBMS) in the United 

States (U.S.). Although LPAI virus infections cause little or no clinical illness in poultry, 

LPAI H5 and H7 subtypes can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) 

subtypes. Such mutations can seriously harm the U.S. commercial poultry industry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) unit is responsible for protecting the health of the 

nation’s poultry flocks and supporting trade. Our trading partners are increasingly wary 

of importing products from countries with H5/H7 avian influenza (AI). Such trade 

concerns, along with the risk of disease transmission posed by the virus circulating in the 

LBMS, have increased the need to prevent and control H5 and H7 AI in the LBMS.

To protect U.S. poultry from HPAI and prevent interruptions in trade, Federal, State, and 

industry officials must cooperate to also actively prevent and control LPAI. In addition, 

other countries have reported cases of human infection with H5/H7 viruses. Therefore, 

human health would also benefit from a program that prevents the development of HPAI 

infections by controlling LPAI infections.

This AI prevention and control program was originally developed as a cooperative effort 

by State veterinarians, industry representatives, and other parties associated with 

poultry and poultry health. VS has approved the AI program as a voluntary measure for 

States. The program is designed to enhance and unify State programs and help States 

prevent and control H5/H7 AI in the LBMS. States will enact the regulations necessary 

for compliance from their live bird markets, producers, and distributors. (Requirements 

expressed herein reflect what would be in State regulations, the substance of which is 

agreed upon by both the State and VS.) VS coordinates and administers the program. 

APHIS also provides personnel and resources to assist States with implementation and 

compliance with program requirements. 

This publication is intended as a working document that will change as the program 

develops. The standards discussed here refer only to the LBMS; the National Poultry 

Improvement Plan (NPIP) addresses AI surveillance for breeders and commercial 

poultry flocks.

The minimum national standards described in this document do not preclude the 

adoption of more stringent methods and rules by any geographical or political 

subdivision of the United States for application within that subdivision. However, 

regulations dealing with interstate movement must still conform to Federal regulations.

The following goals of the program apply to all participants in the LBMS, including 

suppliers, producers, distributors, dealers, haulers, auction markets, flea markets, swap 

meets, wholesalers, and live bird markets:

1. Diagnose, control, and prevent H5 and H7 AI.

2. Help participants improve biosecurity, sanitation, and disease control in their 

operations.

3. Minimize the effects of H5/H7 AI on the U.S. commercial poultry industry.
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Part I—Definitions

Antigen capture immunoassay (ACIA) test

A USDA-licensed antigen capture immunoassay test to detect influenza type A 

nucleoprotein and for use as an official test to screen for AI. The ACIA must be 

conducted using test kits approved by USDA and the State. The ACIA is an NPIP-LBMS 

approved test used to detect influenza A nucleoprotein in swab specimens from 

chickens and turkeys exhibiting clinical signs of disease (sick birds) or dead birds. It is 

less sensitive than molecular tests; therefore, those collecting samples should collect 

additional swab samples and forward both the non-negative sample and additional 

samples to an approved laboratory for molecular testing to determine the virus status of 

the flock following any non-negative ACIA result.

Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test

An NPIP-LBMS approved test for serological detection of AI antibodies for 

use in gallinaceous poultry in which precipitates are formed by a combination 

of specific AI antigens and antibodies that diffuses through a gel. A positive 

reaction indicates exposure to AI virus, but does not indicate a specific 

subtype nor pathotype. Antibodies detected by AGID must be further tested 

and subtyped using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, and the 

neuraminidase-inhibition (NI) test. A final decision on the status of a 

seropositive flock should be based on further sampling and testing for the 

presence of virus through real-time, reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain 

reaction (rRT-PCR) or virus isolation.

Avian Influenza (AI)

AI, caused by an influenza A virus, is a viral infection of birds including chickens, 

turkeys, guinea fowl, and other avian species. Certain subtypes of AI can cause zoonotic 

disease, with most human cases occurring after direct contact with infected poultry. Wild 

waterfowl and shore birds are considered the natural reservoir for AI viruses. The 

severity of disease may range from inapparent infection to reproductive disturbance 

(loss of egg production), respiratory disease, or an acute and fatal systemic disease. 

Morbidity and mortality rates generally depend on the pathogenicity type of the virus 

involved.

For the purposes of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal 

Health Code, NVSL confirmed AI detections have to be reported to the OIE and is 

defined as an infection of poultry caused by any influenza A virus with high pathogenicity 

(HPAI) and by H5 and H7 subtypes with low pathogenicity (H5/H7 LPAI). Influenza A 

viruses with high pathogenicity in birds other than poultry, including wild birds, are also 

notifiable. Low pathogenicity non-H5 and non-H7 influenza A viruses (i.e. H1–4, H6 and 

H8–16) are not defined as avian influenza and are not notifiable. The non-H5/H7 viruses 

typically do not cause disease in poultry although swine lineage viruses (H1 and H3) 

may cause reduced fertility and performance in turkeys.
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AI Official (Approved) Tests

Official tests as agreed by the LBMS in consultation with VS for the detection of AI virus 

and antibodies (refer to Part IV for more detail).

Animal health official

An employee of the State animal health agency or of APHIS, from the State veterinarian 

or the District Director or Area Veterinarian in Charge, with the authority to carry out 

program activities.

APHIS

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an agency of the United States 

Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Appropriate sample 

Samples collected by an animal health official or personnel authorized by the animal 

health official according to the target species, and type of testing planned; refer to WIAV-0020 “Avian sample collection” 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/downloads/WIAV0020.pdf

Approved laboratory

A State, Federal, university, or private laboratory approved by VS (NPIP or NAHLN) to 

perform one or more official AI tests for the program.

Area Veterinarian in Charge

The VS veterinary official assigned by the Administrator to supervise and perform the 

official animal health programs of APHIS in the State or States concerned.

Auction market

A business where producers, dealers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers meet to 

purchase, trade, or sell live birds.

Botanica

An establishment that sells supplies and some types of poultry or livestock (or both) for 

sacrificial religions such as Santeria, Voodoo, etc. Poultry or livestock sold at these 

establishments leave alive to meet the Santeria needs. In the United States the majority 

of these types of establishments are located in Florida, New York, and New Jersey.

Cleaning and disinfection

One of the steps in response to an AI-positive premises that may help eliminate AI from 

the premises. Cleaning requires the removal of gross contamination, organic material, 

and debris from the premises or respective structures, via mechanical means like 

sweeping (dry cleaning) and/or the use of water and soap or detergent (wet cleaning) to 

minimize the remaining organic material. Next, the application of disinfection methods on 

surfaces to destroy or eliminate viable virus (virus elimination) through physical (e.g., 

heat) or chemical (e.g., disinfectant with the proper concentration and contact time) 
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

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means 

Clean and sanitary (for inspection purposes)

Free of visible accumulation of manure, feathers, or other organic materials, as 

determined by an animal health official.

Compensation

In the case of AI infection, compensation specifically refers to reimbursement for the 

activities associated with the depopulation of infected or exposed poultry, the disposal of 

contaminated carcasses and materials, and the cleaning and disinfection of premises, 

conveyances, and materials that came into contact with infected or exposed poultry. In 

the case of materials, if the cost of cleaning and disinfection would exceed the value of 

the materials, or cleaning and disinfection would be impracticable for any reason, VS 

bases compensation on the fair market value of those materials. Compensation does 

NOT include payment for depopulated birds or eggs destroyed (see definition of 

Indemnity).

Dealers

Individuals or businesses concerned with the commerce of poultry in the LBMS. A dealer 

may acquire poultry from multiple flocks and geographic areas for resale. This also may 

include individuals or businesses engaged solely in the transportation of poultry (hauler) 

or businesses with a permanent facility (wholesaler). If any of the defining characteristics 

of a hauler or wholesaler meet the general definition of a dealer, then the individual or 

business will be classified as a dealer. “Dealing” indicates the movement of live poultry 

between the production system and live bird markets. 

Distribution system

Businesses {such as wholesalers, dealers, distributors, haulers, auction markets, and 

live bird sales (non-slaughter)} engaged consistently or intermittently in the 

transportation or sale of poultry to live bird markets. These are the links between 

production flocks and live bird markets. 

Distributor

Any of the businesses or individuals working within the distribution system serving the 

live bird markets. Also see dealer.

District Director (DD)

The VS veterinary official assigned by the APHIS Administrator to supervise and perform 

APHIS official animal health programs in the District concerned.

Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA)

A species-specific NPIP-approved test for serological detection of AI antibodies. 

Established flock

A group of poultry living on a premises until movement directly to a live bird market; or 

poultry of the same species held together on one premises for at least 21 consecutive 
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days; or, at the discretion of the animal health official, any group of poultry on one 

premise that has been segregated from other poultry for at least 21 consecutive days. 

To qualify as an established flock, the group must have been together without any 

untested (AI) additions or exposure to untested (AI) poultry for a minimum of 21 days 

before testing for AI. Additionally, there can be no additions of other poultry or exposures 

to other poultry between the sample collection date and the date that the poultry leave 

the farm. The poultry from the established flock must move directly to the live bird 

market. They cannot move to another premises before going to the live bird market 

except to move through a dealer facility if necessary before being transported to a live 

bird market.

Flock

All poultry in the same environment, under the same biosecurity and management 

programs, on the same premises. Types of flocks described in these Standards include 

established flocks, monitored flocks, and tested flocks. Monitored and tested flocks are 

further discussed in Part III C of these Standards.

Hauler

A business or individual engaged in transporting live poultry.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have an intravenous pathogenicity index 

(IVPI) in 6-week-old chickens greater than 1.2, or cause at least 75 percent mortality in 

4- to 8-week-old chickens infected intravenously. H5 and H7 viruses which do not have 

an IVPI of greater than 1.2 or cause less than 75 percent mortality in an intravenous 

lethality test should be sequenced to determine whether multiple basic amino acids are 

present at the cleavage site of the hemagglutinin molecule (HA0); if the amino acid motif 

is similar to that observed for other high pathogenicity avian influenza isolates, the 

isolate being tested should be considered as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. 

The official designation of a flock as infected with H5 or H7 HPAI will be made by the 

State veterinarian in consultation with the DD or AVIC following confirmation by the 

National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).

Indemnity

AI indemnity specifically refers to payments representing the fair market value of 

destroyed birds and eggs. AI indemnity does not include reimbursements for 

depopulation, disposal, destroyed materials, or cleaning and disinfection activities; these 

are covered under compensation.

Licensing, registration

A requirement to conduct business in the LBMS. This consists of the licensing or 

registration of facilities by the State, allowing for oversight of such facilities as 

recommended in these standards. States may elect licensing or registration procedures 

that best fit their statutes.
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Live bird market

Any facility (including botanica, poultry store, or custom slaughter) that sells live poultry 

for onsite slaughter or for offsite ritual use. 

Live bird marketing system (LBMS)

The LBMS includes live bird markets and their production and distribution systems. 

Live bird sales (non-slaughter)

A place to purchase, sell, or barter live poultry or their eggs including but not limited to 

farmers’ markets, flea markets, swap meets, feed stores, and small poultry sales.

Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) H5 and H7 program

The State-Federal-industry cooperative program for the prevention and control of H5 and 

H7 LPAI. This is a voluntary program for States, but participating States are encouraged 

to enact regulations to enforce program standards and requirements.

LPAI viruses

LPAI viruses are all influenza A viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes that are not highly 

pathogenic avian influenza viruses.

LPAI H5/H7 often cause either no disease signs or result in mild cases, but may cause 

increased mortality, decreased feed consumption, respiratory signs (e.g., nasal 

discharge, coughing, sneezing), and decreased egg production (Dunn et al. 2003). 

The official designation of a flock as infected with H5 or H7 LPAI will be made by the 

State veterinarian in consultation with the District Director or Area Veterinarian in Charge

following confirmation by the NVSL.

National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/lab-infoservices/nahln/ct_national_animal_health_laboratory_network

National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)

www.poultryimprovement.org

National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)

NVSL is the national reference laboratory for AI.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/lab-info-services

Non-negative flock, distribution system or market

A flock, distribution system, or market from which specimens yielded non-negative 

results for AI by an official and appropriate test performed at an approved 

laboratory. Any specimen non-negative for AI must be immediately forwarded to NVSL

for confirmation. Confirmation of a non-negative flock or market will be based on results 
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of diagnostic testing as well as the collection of epidemiological data; collection of 

additional samples for testing may be needed. 

Positive flock, distribution system, or market

Domestic poultry or environmental specimens from which an H5 or H7 subtype has been 

confirmed by the NVSL with determination of pathogenicity (HPAI or LPAI) as described 

in the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. The official 

designation of a flock, distribution system, or market as infected with H5 or H7 will be 

made by the State veterinarian in consultation with the District Director or Area 

Veterinarian in Charge following confirmation by the NVSL.

Positive sample/specimen

A diagnostic specimen confirmed by the NVSL by: (1) detection of H5 or H7 virus; or (2) 

detection of antibodies to H5 or H7 that are not a consequence of vaccination (sample 

collectors should collect appropriate swab samples for molecular testing to determine 

the virus status of the flock following antibody detection in production flocks).

Poultry (OIE definition)

All domesticated birds, including backyard poultry, used for the production of meat or 

eggs for consumption, for the production of other commercial products, for restocking 

supplies of game, or for breeding these categories of birds, as well as fighting cocks 

used for any purpose.

Poultry store

A retail store with a permanent facility that purchases birds from sources such as 

producers, distributors, or auction markets or live bird sales (non- slaughter) and then 

sells live poultry to its customers mainly intended for home slaughter. The business sells 

poultry species only and does not sell feed or pets. The operation is consistent with the 

live bird market definition of operational characteristics, except that it is a non-slaughter 

facility. A poultry store sells retail only and does not trade birds or resell to auctions.

Poultry waste

This definition includes dead birds, feathers, offal, and poultry litter.

Premises identification number

A nationally unique number assigned by a State, Tribal, or Federal animal health 

authority to a premises such as a live bird market, distributor, or supply flock, that is, in 

the judgment of the State, Tribal, or Federal animal health authority, a geographically 

distinct location from other premises. 

Production or supplier flock

The production facility or farm that is the origin of poultry offered for sale in a live bird 

market.

Program

See “Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5 and H7 Program.”
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Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)

VS-approved highly sensitive molecular tests for the detection of AI viral RNA from 

appropriate swabs or tissues from any avian species.

Registration

See Licensing.

State, participating

This definition applies to any of the 50 States (plus the District of Columbia and U.S.

Territories) participating in the AI program. This term applies each time the word “State” 

is used in this document.

Test certificate

A report that contains, at a minimum, negative AI test results obtained from official tests 

conducted at an approved laboratory, and identifying information about the tested poultry 

and the source premises.

USDA

United States Department of Agriculture.

Veterinary Services (VS)

Veterinary Services is the division of APHIS charged with monitoring animal health 

activities and the interstate movements of animals within the United States.

Virus Elimination

Measures conducted with the primary purpose to destroy or eliminate viable 

virus on the premises as cost effectively as possible. Virus elimination may 

include cleaning and disinfection or other APHIS-approved method effective 

for inactivating AI virus. A combination of methods may be required.

Virus isolation

Procedure to isolate AI virus in embryonated chicken eggs.

Wholesaler

A business with a permanent facility that buys birds from producers, distributors, or 

auction markets or live bird sales (non-slaughter), and then trades or resells them. A 

wholesaler is part of the distribution system.
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Part II—Administration of the Program

A. State Participation

The LBMS AI prevention and control program recognizes three basic components of the 

LBMS: Production units, distribution units, and live bird markets. A State can participate 

in the program when all or some components of the LBMS operating within the State are 

required to be registered or licensed, and program participation is required for State 

registration or licensure. 

LBMS participants that do not comply with these Program Standards are subject to 

administrative actions as determined by the State’s regulatory authority. States are 

responsible for enforcing the Program Standards.

B. Federal Participation

The LBMS AI prevention and control program will be coordinated by VS Strategy & 

Policy (S&P) Poultry Health Staff. Under the terms and conditions of the program, VS 

may provide personnel and resources to help States implement the program and comply 

with program requirements. Monitoring, surveillance, and educational activities will be 

supported as defined in the State’s work plan.

The program may provide Federal indemnification for States and facilities at all levels of 

the LBMS. Indemnification will require a consultation with and prior approval by VS S&P

Poultry Health Staff. The amount of indemnification will depend on Federal regulations 

and Federal resources. For established flocks and distribution systems, indemnity for 

destroyed birds will be based on the appraised value of the birds. For birds in the live 

bird market, indemnity may be paid for birds remaining in the market after a designated 

period provided to sell down, if appropriate, at the discretion of USDA after a request 

from the State.
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Part III—Program Elements and Procedures

A. Live Bird Markets

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education

a. A live bird market must be licensed or registered by the State within which it is 

located and must comply with the requirements of the program. The State will 

provide a unique premises identification number. Live bird markets must also

comply with all other applicable animal and public health laws and regulations. 

These include State environmental laws, city or county sanitation requirements, 

public health regulations, and the Federal Poultry Products Inspection Act. 

Information required for a live bird market to become licensed or registered 

includes:

(1) Business name, premises address, and telephone number.

(2) Owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number.

(3) Hours of operation.

(4) Global Positioning System location.

(5) Other live bird market facilities under the same ownership, including 

dealerships, bird transportation businesses, and commercial poultry 

operations. 

(6) A list of all avian and non-avian species marketed.

b. As a program participant, the live bird market must allow access to the facility 

and the birds in the facility for inspection and testing and for examination of 

market records of bird receipts and bird sales.

c. Live bird market owners or managers are required to attend the biosecurity and 

State regulation training provided by or approved by the State or USDA.

d. Upon hire, all personnel who work in the market must be trained in biosecurity 

procedures by animal health officials or by a trained company representative, as 

arranged by the owner or manager, and annually thereafter. A record of 

employee training will be maintained on file on the premises for at least 12 

months, but must be maintained as long as necessary to demonstrate the

training of all current employees, and must be presented on request to any 

animal health official inspectors.

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping

a. Markets are responsible for maintaining records indicating bird description, 

source information, and any available identification. The birds may not enter the 

market if these records are not available.

b. Records for avian species received by the live bird market must include the date 

of entry; the source name, address, and telephone number; and color, species, 

and type of birds in the lot. A copy of the test certificate or equivalent 
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documentation of the established flock must be filed as part of the records, if 

required by animal health officials.

c. All records must be maintained for a minimum of 12 months from the birds’ date 

of entry into the market. 

d. Any indication noted by a live bird market that paperwork has been altered or that 

it misrepresents the sources or test status of birds coming into the market must 

be reported to an animal health official.

3. Market Sanitation and Biosecurity

a. A biosecurity protocol must be developed by the live bird market and approved 

by an animal health official.

b. Live bird market environments and crates must be kept clean and sanitary at all 

times, as defined by the biosecurity protocol.

c. Employees must follow biosecurity protocols.

d. Once delivered to a market, birds must be killed and processed before leaving 

the facility, unless otherwise provided for in the biosecurity protocol.

e. All birds entering a live bird market should be slaughtered within 10 days of 

entering the market.

f. Live bird markets must undergo regular, periodic closures with depopulation and 

complete sanitation, cleaning and disinfection, and downtime. Emphasize

removing items that are not easy to clean and disinfect from LBMs such as cloth 

sofas, electronics, junk, etc. Manage animal inventory (including livestock 

species, in addition to poultry) to be sold out during routine Quarterly Closures 

(QCs) and following positive detections to facilitate cleaning. If selling out of 

mammals is not possible during QCs, remove the animals for cleaning and 

disinfection of the area until the area is properly dried. The closures should occur 

at least quarterly with a minimum of 24 hours downtime. The market must be 

inspected and approved by an animal health official before being allowed to 

reopen.

g. Poultry waste must be contained in a manner approved by an animal health 

official to prevent disease transmission while it is awaiting disposal by a method 

acceptable to the jurisdiction where the market is located.

4. Market Surveillance

a. Live bird markets may be tested for AI virus by the State at any time, but they 

should be tested at least quarterly.

b. Specimens tested may include appropriate samples collected from birds in the

market or upon arrival; swabs or tissues from sick or dead birds, or 

environmental surface samples such as those from floors, conveyances, or 

crates.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

 15

c. Preferred specimens and the types of tests to be run for each are covered in Part 

IV of this document.

5. H5/H7 Positive Markets

a. When NVSL confirms H5 or H7 AI virus in samples from live bird markets, the 

State must quarantine such markets and require their depopulation and cleaning 

and disinfection. Such markets may first be allowed 72 hours and up to 5 days to 

sell down bird inventory, if the animal health official deems appropriate. The 72-

hour countdown begins when market is notified of a positive sample. No 

additional birds should be allowed to enter the market after notification of a nonnegative AI status while awaiting confirmation, or throughout the sell-down period 

after confirmation.

b. Before the live bird market can reopen for business, it must pass inspection by 

an animal health official. Post cleaning and disinfection environmental samples 

may be collected when the facility is observed to be clean and sanitary (for 

inspection purposes) and dry. When environmental samples are collected for 

testing, the market may be permitted to reopen while awaiting environmental test 

results at the discretion of animal health officials. If AI RNA is detected, the 

specimens must be tested by virus isolation to confirm the presence of viable 

virus. If viable H5/H7 virus is detected, the market must close again (within 72 

hours up to 5 days to permit sell-down, if appropriate) and clean and disinfect 

within the next 24 hours, followed by inspection and retesting.

c. A live bird market that tests positive for viable virus from environmental samples 

during quarterly inspection must undergo subsequent monthly testing. If H5 or H7 

is confirmed on a monthly test, the market must close (within 72 hours up to 5 

days to permit sell-down, if appropriate) and will again clean and disinfect within 

the next 24 hours, followed by inspection and retesting.

d. After three consecutive monthly negative tests, the live bird market can return to 

a schedule of quarterly testing and routine quarterly closures.

e. When birds are found to be non-negative for AI in the live bird market or on 

delivery to the market, an epidemiological investigation will be initiated.

B. Poultry Distributors

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education

a. Poultry distributors (dealers, haulers, auction markets, and wholesalers) must be 

licensed or registered in each State in which they conduct business. This 

includes the States from which birds are acquired, as well as the States that have 

live bird markets to which the birds are sold or delivered. The distributor’s 

premises will get a premises identification number in the State in which it is 

located. This number may be used when the distributor registers in other States. 

Minimum information required to register for a distributor license includes:

(1) Business name, premises address, and telephone number.

(2) Owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

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(3) Hours of operation.

(4) Global Positioning System location of premises.

(5) Other bird and animal premises involved with production, sales facilities, 

dealerships, or hauler operations under the same ownership.

(6) A list of all avian and non-avian species distributed.

b. To register to transport birds within the LBMS, distributors must agree to allow 

animal health officials to review records on request and to permit official 

inspections and testing of premises and equipment as required.

c. A distributor should not be licensed or registered until his or her facility, record 

system, and biosecurity protocol has been inspected and approved by an animal 

health official.

d. Upon hire, all personnel who work for the company must be trained in biosecurity 

by animal health officials or by a trained company representative and annually 

thereafter. A record of employee training must be kept on file at the business 

premises for at least 12 months, but must be maintained as long as necessary to 

demonstrate the training of all current employees, and must be presented on 

request to any animal health official inspectors.

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping

a. Distributors must provide documentation of negative test results from the 

established flock with each delivery of birds as required by recipient State 

regulations.

b. Distributors must maintain records for bird pickups and delivery for 12 months 

that include: Copies of test certificates (if required by recipient State regulations); 

dates and locations of pickup and delivery; and the number, species, and types 

of poultry in the delivery. In addition, distributors must keep records of premises 

and conveyance cleaning and disinfection.

c. Any indication noted by a distributor that paperwork has been altered or that it 

misrepresents the sources or test status of birds coming into the live bird market 

must be reported to an animal health official.

3. Distributor Sanitation and Biosecurity

a. Distributor vehicles, bird-holding devices, and any premises where birds may be 

held must be maintained according to State guidelines or requirements.

b. Documented biosecurity protocols, developed by the distributor and approved by 

the State, must be in place.

c. Distributors must use State-approved all-season crate and conveyance washing 

equipment and present cleaning and disinfection documentation when obtaining 

birds from producers and from other distributors.

d. Once emptied of poultry, all conveyances, coops, cages, vehicles, and other 
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

 17

equipment must undergo cleaning and disinfection before visiting a poultry 

premises.

e. Distributors may not transport live birds or other live animals from live bird 

markets.

4. Distributor Surveillance

a. Distributors should be randomly inspected by animal health officials in the State 

in which they are located. These random inspections should occur at least 

quarterly to ensure that conveyances, crates, and facilities are clean and sanitary 

and records are being kept according to program requirements.

b. Distributors should be tested at least quarterly for AI by official and appropriate 

tests at an approved laboratory. Testing may include facility environmental 

surface samples such as those from conveyances, crates, and/or appropriate 

samples from birds, if present.

c. Specimens of choice and the types of tests to be run for each are covered in Part 

IV of this document.

5. H5/H7 - Positive Distribution System

a. Any specimens with non-negative results for AI will be immediately submitted to 

the NVSL for confirmation. The premises may be quarantined until results are 

obtained from the NVSL.

b. Environmental samples may be collected for testing if indicated.

c. Premises from which H5 or H7 detection is confirmed positive by the NVSL must 

be quarantined and inventoried. An epidemiological investigation will occur. The 

premises may be depopulated and cleaned and disinfected in accordance with 

the initial APHIS-approved State response and containment plan. A flock plan will 

be developed.

d. A distributor that fails biosecurity inspections or has non-negative AI results upon 

quarterly testing will have to undergo monthly inspections and testing until there 

have been 3 consecutive months of negative testing, at which time quarterly 

testing will resume.

C. Production Units

1. Licensing, Registration, and Education

a. States will give production units unique premises identification numbers to be 

used for all business pertaining to live bird markets and for interstate movement. 

Production units are required to keep records of their operations on file on the 

premises for at least 12 months. The records must be presented on request to 

animal health official inspectors. Information required for the production unit 

records includes:

(1) Business name, premises address, and telephone number.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

18 

(2) Owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number.

(3) Global Positioning System location.

(4) Other bird and animal premises involved with production, sales facilities, 

dealerships, or hauler operations under the same ownership.

(5) A list of all avian and non-avian species produced.

b. To participate in the program, production units must allow animal health officials 

to review all records and inspect equipment when requested by the program 

authority. Testing may be conducted as indicated by animal health officials.

c. Flock and farm managers are encouraged to attend biosecurity training.

2. Bird Testing and Recordkeeping

a. All birds provided to a distributor or directly to the live bird market must originate 

from a flock that has tested negative for AI before movement and must be 

traceable to a premises of origin. AI testing must be performed using an official 

and appropriate test (as specified in Part IV of this document) at approved 

laboratories. The categories of production units and the testing requirements for 

each category are as follows:

(1) AI Monitored Flock: To be certified as an AI Monitored Flock, a flock must 

meet the following requirements:

a) Qualify as an established flock.

b) Swab and/or blood samples from 30 birds, 3 weeks of age and older from 

all pens and houses on the premises, shall be collected between 21 and 

30 days after the previous collection.

c) The 30 birds selected for testing shall be selected randomly and shall be 

representative of the flock (birds of testing age tested from all pens and 

houses on the premises).

d) The first test should be conducted within 30 days of placement except for 

the following:

i. For serology, blood collection from silkies and other small breeds of 

chickens may be delayed until the birds are 6 to 8 weeks of age.

ii. For serology, blood collection from guineas, chukars, and quail may 

be delayed until the birds are 5 to 6 weeks of age. 

iii. Eggs from gallinaceous poultry may be substituted for blood samples 

for testing by AGID only at the discretion of the receiving State. 

Collect appropriate swab samples for molecular testing to determine 

the virus status of the flock following antibody detection in egg yolk 

from production flocks.

e) A flock must test negative by official and appropriate test for 3 
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

 19

consecutive months before it is considered a monitored flock in good 

standing. When new birds are added to the premises, birds coming from 

a source of equal or higher status (for example, another monitored flock) 

assume the monitored flock status of the previous flock and must be 

tested once together as a monitored flock before moving into the LBMS. 

Chicks coming directly from an NPIP AI Clean hatchery must be tested 

once as part of a monitored flock before moving into the LBMS. If the 

added birds are from other sources, not equal to or of higher status, the 

flock must be tested for 3 months consecutively (with negative results) to 

be considered a monitored flock in good standing. 

f) If there are any breaks in required monthly testing, there is a loss of 

monitored flock status and the tested flock procedure must be followed for 

any movement of birds to the LBMS in the interim. To requalify for 

monitored flock status, the monitored flock status procedure must be 

followed.

(2) Tested flock: A flock that has been established for a minimum of 21 days with 

no contact with other birds and no birds added to the flock during this time, 

and from which 30 birds are randomly sampled and tested negative for AI by 

an official and appropriate test according to the specific requirements listed 

below, within 10 days before the date of movement into the LBMS. No poultry 

may be added to or have contact with this flock after testing and before 

movement. If the flock contains fewer than 30 birds, all birds within the flock 

must be tested.

a) Swab and/or blood samples from 30 birds, 3 weeks of age and older, 

from all pens and houses on the premises shall be collected. Eggs from 

gallinaceous poultry may be substituted for blood samples for testing by 

AGID only at the discretion of the receiving State. Collect appropriate 

swab samples for molecular testing to determine the virus status of the 

flock following antibody detection in egg yolk from production flocks.

b) The 30 birds for testing shall be selected randomly and shall be 

representative of the flock.

c) Flock test records, as well as records of bird transfers, must be 

maintained and made readily available for inspection for 12 months by the 

bird owner, manager, or program participant as approved by the State 

animal health agency.

d) Birds loaded for transport to a distributor must be identified by premises 

of origin and must contain an appropriate date of movement or lot number 

that will distinguish this shipment from others. This information must be 

recorded on the test certificate or other paperwork if a test certificate is 

not required for movement to the distributor.

e) Flocks with non-negative AI serological test results must be quarantined 

until confirmation testing is complete. The animal health official may 

require swab collection to determine the virus status of the flock,

especially if clinical signs are present.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

20 

3. Sanitation and Biosecurity

a. Production unit facilities, conveyances, bird-holding devices, and other any 

premises where birds may be held must be maintained according to State 

guidelines or requirements at all times.

b. Producers should have access to equipment for cleaning and disinfection of 

premises, conveyances, and crates. They must maintain records of downtime 

and cleaning and disinfection, if applicable.

c. To prevent the transmission of AI virus between species, premises should not 

commingle chickens, turkeys, or game birds with ducks or geese.

d. All direct or indirect exposure to free-ranging migratory waterfowl and ponds 

must be prevented.

4. Producer Surveillance

a. Premises may be subjected to random inspections by animal health officials to 

ensure that premises, conveyances, and coops are clean and sanitary. Random 

samples may be collected for AI testing from birds or the environment at the time 

of inspection.

b. Records will be reviewed during site inspections.

c. H5 or H7 virus detection, as confirmed by the NVSL, will result in quarantine of 

the premises. Premises may be depopulated and undergo cleaning and 

disinfection in accordance with the initial APHIS-approved State response and 

containment plan.

5. H5/H7- Positive Production Premises

a. Premises with H5 or H7 detection confirmed positive by the NVSL must be 

quarantined and be inventoried. An epidemiological investigation will occur. The 

premises may be depopulated and cleaned and disinfected in accordance with 

the initial APHIS-approved State response and containment plan. A flock plan 

will be developed.

b. The premises may be quarantined based on non-negative AI results until 

confirmation testing at the NVSL can be completed.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

 21

Part IV—Official Testing of Specimens from the LBMS for the AI Prevention and Control 

Program

A. Specimens

Specimens should be collected from live bird markets and distribution and production 

units by an animal health official or personnel authorized by the animal health official.

Specific collection in distribution units and markets may include appropriate samples 

collected from newly arrived live or dead birds; or environmental surface samples taken 

from (for example) floors, conveyances, or crates.

B. Official (Approved) Tests

The official AI tests for the LBMS include serology (species-appropriate AGID or ELISA), 

and virus detection (rRT-PCR, virus isolation, ACIA (only for sick/dead birds)). The 

LBMS Working Group determined these to be the official tests in consultation with VS. 

Approved laboratories must pass proficiency tests for rRT-PCR, ELISA, and AGID as 

administered by the NPIP and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)

and implemented by the NVSL for program participation. All specimens that test nonnegative for AI per official protocol in approved laboratories will be submitted to the 

NVSL for confirmation and further characterization. 

1. Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID)

a. An NPIP-LBMS approved test for serological detection of AI antibodies for use in 

gallinaceous poultry. Sera from domestic ducks or geese should not be tested by 

the AGID test as duck antibody does not precipitate well and thus these sera are 

not appropriate for this test. Eggs from gallinaceous poultry may be substituted 

for blood samples for testing of yolk by AGID only at the discretion of the 

receiving State. 

b. The AGID test is type-A specific and will not determine the hemagglutinin (H), 

neuraminidase (N) subtype, or pathotype of AI.

c. Non-negative AGID results indicate that birds were exposed at least 1 week 

previously to AI of unknown subtype.

d. Non-negative AGID specimens must be forwarded to the NVSL for H- and Nsubtyping. Collect appropriate swab samples for molecular testing to determine 

the virus status of the flock following AI antibody detection.

2. Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) 

a. A species-specific NPIP-LBMS approved test for serological detection of AI 

antibodies. Any USDA-licensed ELISA kit may be used in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s recommendations and as appropriate to the species being tested. 

Currently there is only one ELISA kit licensed for ducks.

b. The ELISA test is specific for AI and will not determine the hemagglutinin (H),

neuraminidase (N) subtype, or pathotype of AI.

c. Non-negative ELISA results indicate that birds were exposed at least 1 week 
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

22 

previously to AI of unknown subtype. 

d. Non-negative specimens by ELISA must be forwarded to the NVSL for H- and Nsubtyping. Collect appropriate swab samples for molecular testing to determine 

the virus status of the flock following AI antibody detection. 

3. Real-Time Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR)

a. VS-approved highly sensitive molecular tests for the detection of AI viral RNA 

from appropriate swabs or tissues from any avian species. Specimens are 

initially tested by an influenza A test followed by H5 and H7 specific tests if RNA 

is detected. The H5 and H7 tests are designed to detect both LPAI and HPAI 

viruses.

b. Non-negative specimens by any official AI molecular test must be forwarded to 

NVSL for confirmation. 

c. Contact the NVSL if interested in conducting molecular testing of post-cleaning 

environmental samples. An NVSL-approved internal control to monitor for PCR 

inhibitors is required along with use of a specific virus isolation protocol. 

4. Virus Isolation (VI)

This test is intended to determine if viable AI virus is present in a specimen 

through exposure of embryonated eggs. Swabs, tissues, and environmental 

samples may be tested by virus isolation in State-approved laboratories or by the 

NVSL. Virus isolates must be forwarded to the NVSL for confirmation and 

characterization.

5. Antigen Capture Immunoassay Tests (ACIA)

a. An NPIP-LBMS approved test to screen for AI using any USDA-licensed antigen 

capture immunoassay (ACIA) for the detection of influenza A nucleoprotein.

Swab samples only from chickens and turkeys exhibiting clinical signs of disease 

(sick birds) or dead birds are appropriate for ACIA tests.

b. The ACIA test must be conducted using test kits approved by USDA and the 

State and must be conducted in accordance with the regulations at title 9, Code 

of Federal Regulations (9 CFR) 145.14(d)(2)(ii) and manufacturer 

recommendations. 

c. The test is less sensitive than a molecular test and will not determine whether 

birds have been exposed specifically to H5 or H7 subtypes of AI. 

d. Collect additional swab samples and forward both the non-negative sample and 

additional samples to an approved lab for molecular testing to determine the 

virus status of the flock following any non-negative ACIA result. 
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

 23

Part V – General Criteria for H5 and H7 AI Indemnification and Compensation in the LBMS

A. Requirement for Indemnification and Compensation

Any specimen found to be non-negative for AI H5 or H7 must be immediately forwarded 

to the NVSL for confirmation.

1. Even when the requirements are met, indemnity and compensation are not 

guaranteed. They should be discussed by Federal and State officials as options. 

2. Non-negative H5 or H7 results from an approved laboratory should initiate 

quarantine and possible sell down of the affected premises, at the State’s discretion. 

However, eligibility for indemnity requires confirmation by the NVSL unless VS 

otherwise approves.

B. Flocks or Premises Eligible for Indemnity and Compensation Funds

LBMS participants (markets, distributors, and producers) are eligible. Once an H5/H7 AI 

program is established in a State, participants must comply with these Standards and all 

related State regulations.

C. Fair Market Value at Distributor and Retail Market Level

1. This is the purchase price of the bird at wholesale or the distributor if the bird is 

currently located at the retail market. It can also be the purchase price of the bird at 

the production level if the bird is currently located at a wholesaler or distributor.

2. In addition to an inventory verified by animal health officials at the time of appraisal,

valid documentation of purchase is required.

3. Alternatively – without receipts – authorized animal health officials survey relevant 

wholesalers to determine the value.

D. Fair Market Value at Production Level and Breeder Birds

1. Appraisal value of production (meat-type) birds is the expected (or past) price the 

owner has received from a wholesaler (retailer, if no wholesaler) adjusted for actual 

age or weight of the bird at time of depopulation. 

2. Appraisal value of chicken meat-type breeder birds, at a minimum, is the same as 

commercial parent broiler-breeder birds. Higher appraisal values for chicken meattype breeder birds may be obtained if the owner can provide the necessary 

production and financial records required for determining value. Minimum appraisal 

value of other types of breeder birds used in the LBMS shall be the price the 

producer receives for his or her adult birds based on receipts or other evidence of 

prices received. Higher appraisal values for other types of breeder birds may be 

obtained if the owner can provide the necessary production and financial records 

required for determining value.

3. Appraisal value for all other birds will be determined by APHIS-developed valuation 

lists.
Uniform Standards for the Live Bird Marketing System

24 

E. Decision to Depopulate

1. The decision to depopulate is made by the State in consultation with industry, 

stakeholders, and VS. VS must concur with the State approach to controlling H5/H7 

AI in each incident before distributing indemnity funds.

2. Depopulation is not the only possible response to H5/H7 LPAI. Quarantine or 

controlled marketing or quarantine with vaccination (for production flocks only) may 

also be appropriate. USDA approval is required for vaccination.

F. Indemnity and Compensation Funds (per 9 CFR part 53 (for HPAI) and part 56 (for 

LPAI)

Indemnity and Compensation funds may be used for 100 percent of the appraised 

value of depopulated birds and costs of depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and 

disinfection.